Without doubt the 1990 Embassy is one of the most historical World Championships ever held. The tournament was held at the Lakeside Country Club in Frimley Green, Surrey from 5–13 January 1990 and it was historical for two reasons.

It saw Phil Taylor win his first of many world titles, beating his mentor Eric Bristow 6-1 in sets in the final. Taylor beat Russell Stewart, Dennis Hickling, Ronnie Sharp and Cliff Lazarenko en route to the final. Defending champion Jocky Wilson fell at the quarterfinal stage, losing to Mike Gregory.

The event also saw America's Paul Lim hit the first nine-dart finish at the World Championship in his second round match with Ireland's Jack McKenna, receiving £52,000 for his efforts.

The shock of the tournament came when Denmark’s Jann Hoffmann beat the 1988 champion Bob Anderson in their first round tie. Hoffmann would not go further than round two where Cliff Lazarenko defeated him.

In 1990 the total prize money for the tournament exceeded £100.000 for the first time in history and that was excluding the £52.000 Lim took back to the States for his nine-dart finish